Yellow Fever
(Diseases)
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What is yellow fever?
- A viral disease transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The term “yellow” refers to jaundice that affects some patients in severe cases. Its symptoms range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually appear three to six days after the mosquito bite and may take longer to appear.
- What are the symptoms of yellow fever?
- Loss of appetite.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Fatigue and exhaustion.
Muscle and back pain.
- Yellow fever symptoms usually last 3 to 4 days. However, some infected individuals may develop more severe symptoms within 24 hours after feeling better.
- The more severe symptoms include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
- Dark urine.
- Stomach pain.
Bleeding from the mouth,eyes, nose, and stomach.
- Liver and kidney failure.
- What causes yellow fever?
- Direct exposure to bites from infected mosquitoes can lead to the transmission of the yellow fever virus, as infected mosquitoes transmit the infection when they bite. This virus spreads mainly in tropical areas, forests, and urban regions in Africa and South America.
Traveling to endemic areas increases the risk of infection, especially in tropical regions where the virus is widespread.
Not receiving the yellow fever vaccine increases the likelihood of infection among people who visit these areas.
How is yellow fever diagnosed?
- The doctor takes the medical history and then performs a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
- Blood tests:
Through a test for the viral genetic material.
- Through a test for viral antibodies.
- Other tests to assess organ condition:
- Liver function tests: Since yellow fever can affect the liver and cause jaundice, the doctor may request liver function tests to determine how affected it is by the infection.
Kidney function tests: To assess the condition of the kidneys, especially in severe cases of yellow fever.
- Complete blood count: This test may show a decrease in white blood cells, which is a common indicator of viral infection.
Tests to rule out other diseases:
Tests are used to rule out other diseases that share symptoms with yellow fever, such as malaria, dengue fever, viral hepatitis, and others.
Since yellow fever is relatively rare in some regions, diagnosis relies heavily on travel history or exposure to environments where the virus is present.
- What are the treatments for yellow fever?
- There is no specific treatment for yellow fever, but most people recover completely within 3 to 4 days. Treatment may include procedures to relieve symptoms, which may include:
- Getting adequate rest.
Taking pain relievers such as Ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve muscle or back pain.
- Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- What are the ways to prevent yellow fever?
- The yellow fever vaccine is the most effective method of prevention. It is recommended to receive the vaccine before traveling to areas where yellow fever is prevalent.
- Mosquito protection: Since yellow fever is transmitted through mosquito bites, measures should be taken to protect yourself from bites, such as:
- Using mosquito repellent.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing in affected areas.
- Sleeping under a net or in air-conditioned rooms to reduce mosquito exposure.
- What are the complications of yellow fever?
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the virus’s effect on the liver.
- Bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach.
Organ failure: The disease can lead to liver or kidney failure.
- Death: Mortality rates may reach up to 50% within 7–10 days in patients with severe symptoms.
- When should you see a doctor?
- When experiencing sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, nausea, and fatigue, especially after traveling to a potentially endemic area.
If symptoms develop to include jaundice, bleeding, or severe abdominal pain, you must seek medical care immediately, as these signs indicate advanced and dangerous stages of yellow fever.
After traveling to endemic areas, even without symptoms, especially if the vaccine was not received before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yellow fever transmitted from person to person?
No, yellow fever is not contagious between humans. It is transmitted only through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
